Encore: Eagles bring home another state championship

A championship win never guarantees another one, but the Westwood Baptist Academy Eagles basketball team had a plan and executed it perfectly.

After a long season competing in another division, the Eagles once again reigned supreme at this year’s MCSAA state basketball tournament by defeating Christian Fellowship 51-29, earning their second straight state championship.

James Hawley, who led the Eagles with 24 points, five assists and four steals, said winning another state title was the perfect ending to his senior season.

“We knew last year’s state championship didn’t win this one, and I thought we really applied that all season and played well,” Hawley said. “Some people believed that we won last season because we were in another division with lesser competition, so proving that we can play in a better division on the biggest stage was vital for us.”

Hawley said it’s sad that his high school ball days are over, but he couldn’t have drawn his final season any better than winning another state title.

Hawley and fellow teammate and senior Ben Jones received Division I All-State honors for their solid play in the MCSAA state tournament. Jones said all the work the team has done this season was worth it. All the long hours in the gym were a good trade for winning back-to-back state titles. He said all the work paid off, and the moment was emotional.

Jones transitioned to Westwood Baptist last season, and though it was nerve-wracking to come over, he said it has made him a better player. Jones said he’s put in a lot of work the past few years, and one person has been by his side, helping him every step of the way.

“I’d like to thank the people who have helped me, especially my dad,” Jones said. “He’s pushed me through my limits, made me work out when I didn’t want to and was tired. My dad was right there to keep me focused and told me when I was wrong. This season was about proving to myself and college coaches that I can play at a top level and that I can be good enough for them. I wouldn’t be able to do any of this if it wasn’t for this team and the guidance from my dad."

The Eagles finished the regular season with a 21-3 record, went 6-0 in their district and defeated their opponents by double-digits for most of the season. Though the Eagles’ championship win wasn’t a nailbiter, head coach John Hawley said it was awesome to send his seniors off on a high note.

“It was just an amazing feeling,” coach Hawley said. “When I heard the final buzzer, it just gave me a moment to reflect on the hard work these guys had put in all season. A lot of the seniors this year were on the championship team last year and played a big role for us, so to watch them return and do it again is just a feeling I can’t put into words. The seniors have put in so much work and effort over the years, so it’s nice to see the payoff in the end. I’m just proud of them all.”

The Eagles got a lot of experience playing different levels of competition as they added more schools from outside their division. Since then, coach Hawley said he’s received many calls about teams wanting to play them next season. He said the Eagles have added many public school matchups over the years, using them as an opportunity to grow as a coach and team.

As the Eagles look toward the future, coach Hawley hopes the momentum will continue with the foundation that has already been laid for the underclassmen. He understands the next season will be a process, but he’s looking forward to watching them grow together.

“We have a good group of kids returning who have gotten some experience and are some pretty good basketball players,” coach Hawley said. “We’re hoping not to see too major of a drop-off. We believe we can compete next year as well. When you lose four good seniors like that, there’s probably going to be a little bit of a drop-off, especially early on, but we’re hoping to get to the point where we can be really competitive.”